LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Antioch
Baptist Church of Corona, New York, on Sunday, April 24, 2011

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
75th Anniversary of Antioch Baptist Church of Corona, New York, on
Sunday, April 24, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Organized in 1936 by 34 Christian men and women, Antioch
Baptist Church of Corona, held their initial worship service on Good
Friday, April 10, and Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936, under the leader-
ship of Reverend Wurtz; by May 16 of that year, the church received its
Certificate of Incorporation; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Antioch Baptist Church of Corona grew and
made successful strides since its inception; in June of 1980, Reverend
Dr. Marvin J. Bentley, a native New Yorker, was called to pastor these
people of God; his youthful energy and prophetic vision led to a spurt
in spiritual and congregational growth; and
WHEREAS, The need for a larger edifice was evident and Antioch Baptist
Church of Corona purchased its current building, a former bank building
at 103-02 Northern Boulevard in January of 1982; after extensive reno-
vation, the first worship service was held on the Church's 52nd Anniver-
sary on April 24, 1988; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, Antioch Baptist Church of Corona has grown
to over 600 members; Reverend Bentley is the longest tenured pastor,
serving faithfully for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Bentley has shared leadership with the Reverend Dr.
Laura B. Sinclair, a former Assistant Pastor, and with Reverend Dr.
Patricia Haggler, the current Assistant Pastor; Antioch Baptist Church
of Corona has numerous programs and ministries, some of which include:
Noonday Prayer & Bible Study; Pastor's Aide; Audio/Video Ministry; the
Tillers Liturgical Praise Dance Ministry; Computer Ministry; Christian
Education; Debt Liquidation Ministry; Monthly Theme Workshops; Children
and Youth Development Alliance; AMEN for seniors; Women's and Male
Ministries; the Antioch Bible Institute; and Blessed Hands Deaf Minis-
try; and
WHEREAS, Antioch Baptist Church of Corona stands on the threshold of
tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while
retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Antioch Baptist Church of Corona,
New York, on Sunday, April 24, 2011, fully confident that this commem-
oration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the dignity
and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Dr. Marvin J. Bentley, Pastor, Antioch Baptist
Church of Corona.